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The Blackpool MEGA (Motivated, Educated Generation with Ambition) Hub is one of 10 hubs across the Lancashire local authorities. It’s helping secondary schools access a pioneering technology-enriched programme and AI Academy that inspires pupils to pursue a career in the digital sector.
More than 400 young people will take part in the first two years of the programme, where they will be given direct access to leading industry professionals and employers.
Aiming to support at least eight Blackpool schools, the MEGA Hub will enable approximately 440 pupils to take part in hands-on technology experiences.
There will be 40 scholarships available for year 12 and 13 students, helping them develop critical and technical skills. They will also gain industry insights through workplace visits, real-world challenges and assessment centres designed to open access to career opportunities they may not otherwise encounter.
Cllr Kath Benson, Cabinet Member for Young People and Aspiration at Blackpool Council, said:
“We have many aspiring young people in our town so it’s essential that we continue to strive to provide access to these types of enrichment programmes to help them achieve their potential including careers in cyber.
It’s hugely important that schoolchildren of all ages in Blackpool understand the opportunities available to them in this growing field of employment.
This is why we’re focused on breaking down the barriers to entry, and creating new opportunities for young people to gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications which may lead to kickstart exciting careers in digital and technology.
The MEGA Hub will help meet the need for a highly skilled digital workforce in Blackpool and create the cyber workforce for the future. Providing pupils with the best opportunities to be successful is the key to not only their futures but that of the town.”
The programme will help students learn skills in AI content creation and machine learning, and gain work experience with leading technology companies. Alongside this, they will access exclusive resources and events with official recognition from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.
It will provide them with hands-on experiences with taster days, as well as the opportunity to study for higher-level qualifications in ICT and cyber. Students will develop competitive and team orientated skills, leading into pathways in highly skilled and in-demand jobs.
There will also be 40 MEGA scholarships awarded to individuals in year 12 and 13, providing a £1,000 bursary, mentorship access, industry placements and employability skills support.
With the National Cyber Force establishing its headquarters in Salmesbury, Lancashire, and many new highly skilled jobs being created as a result, the programme will help to increase the interest in cyber security and ICT in the local area.
Blackpool Council is funding the MEGA Hub, developed by professional technology skills provider IN4 Group. It is delivered in partnership with Blackpool and The Fylde College, alongside leading industry partners including IBM, KPMG UK, Northrop Grumman, CGI, QinetiQ, Energus, Roke and BT.
Lauren Monks, Director of CyberFirst and MEGA Hubs at IN4 Group, said:
“Blackpool is leading the way in unlocking the potential of talented young people who may be at risk of underachieving due to disadvantage, neurodiversity or lack of social capital.
The MEGA Hub helps every young person, wherever they live and whatever their background, to secure the best career destinations by boosting academic attainment, building technology skills, and opening access to professional networks.”
Marc Potter, Assistant Principal Curriculum at Blackpool and The Fylde College, said:
“The college is proud to host the MEGA Hub for schools across Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.
We’re passionate about working with our local schools and raising the aspirations of young people, giving them accessible, inclusive and genuinely exciting experiences in cyber and digital technologies. This partnership helps learners see a future for themselves in the North West’s growing tech sector, strengthening opportunities and ambitions across our region.”
The project also links into Blackpool’s digital vision, which has been created by Blackpool Council and The Blackpool Pride of Place Partnership.
In a world where digital is a key enabler, the partnership wanted to create a digital strategy, with a road map to enable Blackpool to become the smartest and best-connected town in the UK.
Designed to help improve socio-economic outcomes for the town and to create better lives, the vision demonstrates how Blackpool is at the forefront of new generation digital connectivity.
This includes giving residents and businesses access to the latest full fibre gigabit connectivity and split-second internet speeds across the Atlantic and to northern Europe.